This octagonal strawbale building was created for the Suscol Intertribal Council of California. I joined Bob Theis, Tracy Theriot (Tactile Interiors) and Yoshi (Tactile Interiors) along with dozens of Native American volunteers and an intertribal Americorps Program. We inherited the structural frame from another designer and then added an gravelbag foundation, custom strawbales, heavy straw-clay sculpted windows and nichos, and earth plaster. The roof is insulated with natural sheep's wool and earth plastered as well. The roof is also a living roof with concentric rings of local stones retaining several sections of it. Since this intertribal land is home to many sacred dance ceremonies, the building will primarily be used for a changing and waiting area. The elders will finally …
